Fitness Trainer and Elliptical Trainer Recall – On August 15, 2015, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Johnson Health Tech Co. Ltd, of Taiwan, and Johnson Health Tech North America Inc., of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, have agreed to pay a $3 million civil penalty for their alleged failure to report defective fitness equipment. The agreement will settle charges brought by CPSC staff that Johnson Health Tech knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, a defect and an unreasonable risk of serious injury with Johnson Health Tech Matrix Fitness Ascent Trainers and Elliptical Trainers. According to Johnson Health Tech, the agreement does not constitute an admission to CPCS staff charges.
About the Johnson Health Tech Product Defect
According to the CPCS press release, the fitness equipment defect involved a build-up of moisture in the power sockets of the units from perspiration or cleaning liquids, which caused the machines to short circuit. Between March 2012 and October 2013, Johnson Health Tech received multiple reports of smoking, sparking or melted power components and reports of fires involving the trainers. Despite these reports and two design changes to fix the problem, Johnson Health Tech failed to report the defect, the consumer incidents or the design changes to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours).
Matrix Fitness Ascent Trainer and Elliptical Trainer Recall
On January 23, 2014, Johnson Health Tech recalled its Matrix Fitness Ascent Trainers and Elliptical Trainers. The recall occurred after Johnson Health Tech manufactured, imported, and sold more than 3,000 units nationwide. The firm sold the trainers from September 2011 through December 2012 for between $6,000 and $11,000 each.
Additional Details of the Civil Penalty Agreement
In addition to paying the $3 million civil penalty, Johnson Health Tech North America has agreed that the company has, and will maintain, a compliance program to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and a related system of internal controls and procedures.
Report Dangerous Products and Product Injuries to CPSA
Consumers can report a dangerous product, or a product-related injury to the CPCS online at www.SaferProducts.gov . Reports can also be made by calling CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired.
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The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg is currently assisting individuals who have been injured by defective or dangerous consumer products. If you or a loved one suffered a consumer product injury and you have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a Free Consumer Product Lawsuit Case Evaluation by contacting our law firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
New Jersey Based Weinberg Law Firm
Located in New Brunswick, NJ, The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg has been assisting personal injury victims since 1984, recovering over $800 million on behalf of clients. To learn about current litigation involving dangerous and defective drugs please see Zofran Lawsuit, Invokana Lawsuit, and Benicar Lawsuit.
